Alabama Weekly Volume 1 Issue 8

Alabama Weekly
September 9th, 1998 -- Issue #8 -- Volume #1
AW Web Site: http://TideFans.com

Welcome to Alabama Weekly, a weekly E-Mail Newsletter about Alabama football. The purpose of this newsletter is to basically recap the weeks events that has happened in Alabama Football. We are now over 1000 subscribers to Alabama Weekly and we continue to grow day by day.
FEEDBACK Please if you have any comments or questions or even suggestions PLEASE send us a message, we would love to hear from you.

Vanderbilt Preview
written by Jess Nicholas

After coming off the dizzying high of victory over the BYU Cougars,
Alabama kicks off its conference schedule with Nashville's Vanderbilt
Commodores, who are trying to regroup after being carved like a
Thanksgiving turkey by Mississippi State. Granted, the team that beat the
Commodores was a good one, good enough to be listed as tied for 2nd in
our SEC West Preview earlier this fall. But 42-0? Is Vandy that bad? And
can Alabama, who always gets a tough effort from the Commodores, not fall
into the trap of complacency and inconsistency?

OFFENSE
Both teams are trying to implement a spread offense with multiple
receivers and high-octane passing. Alabama and Vanderbilt met with mixed
results last Saturday, with Alabama getting close to 200 yards passing
while Vanderbilt accounted for only 89. Both teams feature good running
backs (Alabama has Shaun Alexander, the SEC Offensive Player of the Week,
while Vanderbilt counters with Jared McGrath) and inexperienced
quarterbacks. Here's how they match up:

QUARTERBACK
Alabama features 5th-year senior John David Phillips, who staged one of
the most unexpected coming-out parties on national television Saturday,
passing for a 58% completion percentage and establishing himself as a
real leader for his team. Vanderbilt, meanwhile watched as junior Hi
Lewis was intercepted on his first two passes, one of which was returned
for a touchdown. Vanderbilt also used redshirt freshman Greg Zolman, a
lefty who went 7 for 12 and should start. True freshman David Wallace (3
for 5) also saw action last week and could again this week. Alabama's
backup, Andrew Zow, got some work as well. Taking into consideration
Phillips' performance against a defense far better than the one he is
likely to see on Saturday, coupled with the Commodores' ineptitude
against a MSU defense starting seven new players, the choice is obvious.
Advantage: Alabama


RUNNING BACKS
Alabama's Shaun Alexander scored five touchdowns last week, a school
record. Fullback Dustin McClintock proved himself a worthy blocker,
runner, and receiver. Reserves Arvin Richard and Marvin Brown also had
good first games. Meanwhile, Vandy's Jared McGrath got stuffed as the
Commodore attack accounted for under fifty yards on around thirty
carries. The Commodores also lack a true fullback, using wide receiver
Todd Yoder in a hybrid role. Advantage: Alabama


WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
It's closer than you might think. Alabama's Quincy Jackson had eleven
receptions in the first game, and he's not even the best of the bunch.
Michael Vaughn, Calvin Hall, Freddie Milons, Eric Locke, and Jason
McAddley are also around to give Woody Widenhoffer fits. Vanderbilt's
crew are no slouches, though. Redshirt freshman Adam Ditto will be a real
star one day, and Todd Yoder and Tavarus Hogans are steady. In addition,
Vanderbilt has the better tight end package, featuring sophomore Elliot
Carson and senior O.J. Fleming. However, the superior overall talent
level of the Tide along with their performance in the BYU game suggests
more promise. Advantage: Alabama


OFFENSIVE LINE
Vanderbilt returns four starters from last year's group, which might not
be a good thing. Considering that Vanderbilt got less total offense
against MSU than the Tide got in either the passing or rushing column
alone, it might be safe to say that Vanderbilt has a ways to go in
developing an offensive line. Alabama, meanwhile, controlled the line of
scrimmage at will versus BYU, with tackle Chris Samuels and guard Jason
McDonald looking especially destructive. The strength and conditioning
program under Terry Jones,Sr. is starting to reap rewards. Advantage: Alabama


DEFENSE
Defense is usually the staple for both the Tide and the Commodores, but
each had it problems this past week. The Tide showed a tendency to
overrun passing plays up front, leaving wide open the possibility for
draw plays and misdirection. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, proved incapable of
stopping the Bulldogs' vaunted rushing attack, and they somehow found a
way to make quarterback Matt Wyatt look good as well. Each have questions
to answer, but each has talent.


DEFENSIVE LINE
Although neither group had a day worthy of All-Star consideration,
Alabama did chalk up five sacks and it isn't a secret as to where to best
athletes are getting their education. Vanderbilt has problems up front,
unable to stop both run and pass simultaneously, and their performance
against MSU seems to suggest that the defense that kept them in games in
1997 has either graduated or couldn't find the bus. Alabama has a lot of
young guns with good speed, great strength, and bad attitudes. The loss
of Chris Hood was felt, as newcomers Kindal Moorehead and Cornelius
Griffin got caught out of position on more than one occasion, but the
overall depth and quality can't be denied. Advantage: Alabama.


LINEBACKERS
Vanderbilt Middle linebacker Jamie Winborn, a Birmingham native, will be a
star someday, but it bears noting that the Commodores have probably placed
too much emphasis on his ability, and it is rare for a freshman to be
a dominating player in the first place. Lamont Turner and Matt Stewart
fill the other positions most of the time, and will give their best
effort. Alabama, meanwhile has a good group. Sophomore Travis Carroll
played one half of the game and was still the 2nd-leading tackler for the
game. His backup, senior Tito Smith, looked like starting quality himself
in the other half. Senior Trevis Smith not only provides meaningful
leadership, but has to be one of the most underrated players in the SEC.
It is a safe bet that opposing coaches won't make the mistake that many
journalists have made and disregard Smith because of his short stature.
If anyone wants to know his hitting ability, an interview with BYU
running back Ronnie Jenkins can be arranged, as Jenkins was on the
business end of several vicious hits directed by Smith. The other outside
linebacker, Steve Stanley, looks to be improving. Advantage: Alabama


SECONDARY
Vandy's Corey Chavous played an important part in last year's NFL draft,
and it is a safe bet that Fred Vinson will do the same this year. Joining
cornerback Vinson is fellow CB Jimmy Williams and safeties Ainsley
Battles and Rahim Batten. Each are superb athletes and good players.
Alabama counters with two of the SEC's best defensive backs in cornerback
Fernando Bryant and safety Kelvin Sigler. Strong safeties Tony Dixon and
Marcus Spencer are also available, as is Warren Foust. However, injuries
have hurt the Tide, as cornerback Antoine Hunter still isn't full speed.
This will likely mean another start for Michael Feagin, since Kecalf
Bailey is still nursing a sore hamstring. If the Tide was totally
healthy, this might be a different story... Advantage: Vanderbilt


SPECIAL TEAMS
Vanderbilt returns starters John Markham and Joe Webb, and each did a
respectable job in 1997. Markham could use a bit more accuracy on his
field goal kicking, though, going just 8 for 13 last year. Alabama boasts
one of the conference's best punters in Daniel Pope, and Tide fans are
all holding their collective breaths that kicker Ryan Pflugner's groin
holds up and his kicks keep finding their marks. Both schools have good
return packages, although the Tide needs to improve kick coverage. This
is a close one. Advantage: Alabama


OVERALL OUTLOOK
Alabama comes out on top, winning seven of eight categories. The Alabama
coaching staff looked much more in tune with the game against BYU than in
any other contest in 1997 save Ole Miss. Vanderbilt simply doesn't have
the athletes to compete for a title in this league, but who says they
can't upset better teams? Vanderbilt views Alabama as its second biggest
rival, falling behind only Tennessee. And Vanderbilt always seems to beat
Alabama when the Tide could afford it the least. So am I saying the
Commordores will do the unthinkable--that they will upset Bama in
Birmingham and throw the Tide into a dizzying spin? No, but giddy Tide
fans probably won't see the offensive blowout that they are expecting.
Vanderbilt pride will narrow the gap in the end, with Bama getting a
cautious 27-7 victory before a packed house in Legion Field, and possible
placement in next week's Top 25.

-- Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly Columnist


Depth Chart for Vanderbilt Game

SE 83 Calvin Hall 80 Jason McAddley 4 Jay Stubbs
WR 7 Quincy Jackson 15 Freddie Milons 81 Wes Allen
FL 22 Michael Vaughn 8 Tim Bowens 2 Eric Locke
TE 82 Terry Jones,Jr. 85 Rhett Crutchfield 86 Joe Yount
RT 72 Will Cuthbert 56 Kenric Lott 77 Bart Raulston
RG 70 Jason McDonald 68 Sam Matthews 71 Marico Portis
C 74 Paul Hogan 55 Brooks Brodie 57 Ty Babcock
LG 75 Griff Redmill 69 Michael Moore 79 Ray Marshall
LT 60 Chris Samuels 63 Sage Spree 78 Michael Barfield
QB 12 John David Phillips 5 Andrew Zow 14 Tyler Watts
FB 30 Dustin McClintock 6 Marvin Brown 21 Montoya Madden
HB 37 Shaun Alexander 26 Arvin Richard 33 Shontua Ray
PK 42 Ryan Pflugner 11 A.J.Diaz 95 Brian Cunningham

---

RT 98 Reggie Grimes 88 Kenny Smith 92 Shaun Williams
NG 90 Jamie Carter 51 Carlos Stennis 67 Kelvis White
LT 97 Cornelius Griffin 54 Kendall Moorehead 38 Shaun Draper
END 91 Clint Waggoner 58 Canary Knight 59 Chris Edwards
RLB 48 Trevis Smith 47 Eddie Hunter 9 Victor Ellis
MLB 44 Travis Carroll 89 Tito Smith 1 Chris Horne
LLB 4 Steve Stanley 10 Miguel Merritt 99 Darius Gilbert
RCB 39 Antoine Hunter 13 Kecalf Bailey 16 Chris Reier
FS 20 Kelvin Sigler 17 Warren Foust 35 Owen Winston
SS 24 Tony Dixon 41 Marcus Spencer 19 Jason Jones
LCB 25 Fernando Bryant 3 Michael Feagin 23 Reggie Myles
P 40 Daniel Pope 84 Patrick Morgan 11 A.J.Diaz


A View From Afar--A commentary on the BYU Game
written by Brett Young

Report from the PACC:

Although the big screens on which I watched the game at the Park Avenue Country Club, a sports bar in midtown Manhattan, didn't match the new JumboTron and the Bama crowd noise (all 11 of us) didn't approach that in the expanded and wonderously beautiful-at-night Bryant-Denny, the view from afar was clear (after removing my crimson colored glasses): Bama is definitely on its way back.

It may be next year before we compete for the SEC title and are again a year-in-year-out contender for the Bowl Championship Series games, but what I saw impressed me. No more second-guessing of the coordinators--that was coordination you saw last night. No more second-guessing the use of a particular first string QB--John David Phillips has firmly established himself as THE leader on a much improved offensive force. Not many questions and a lot of answers last night. That's what I saw.

Yes, this is the Bama that is on its way back and will soon make an appearance in a college football stadium near you. Yes, Vandy is next. But, for the moment, I'm enjoying Coach Mike Dubose's first of many victories in Bryant-Denny Stadium. I predict the Tide will be so successful over the next 4 years, that by the time all Bama home games are played there after 2001, the stadium seating plans will be approaching 100,000. That's what I see.

Make sure you understand, this is a view from afar. For the "up-close and personal view," I confirmed all these things with my father-in-law who was at the game. He saw the same things I did: Four wideouts, one receiver with 11 receptions, and a running back with 5 TD's. All in the same game? Yes, the view is getting clearer from afar. Bama: National Champions, in 2000!

--Brett Young
BamaNation


Editor's note: I would like to officially welcome John Hinds to the Alabama Weekly staff. You probably saw John's outstanding column last week, he is a journalist for the AP in Boston. Welcome aboard John!!!

The BYU Game
written by John Hinds

BOSTON---Whether you were watching it from your living room or your favorite seat at Bryant –Denny Stadium, Alabama 38-31 win over Brigham Young was a thing of beauty.
Now the questions remain what happens next?
Tide fans will remember the opening win last season over Houston followed by a dismal game against Vanderbilt that set the tone for the rest of the season.
The new look offense that was on display against the Cougars was scrapped against the Commodores and what followed was a disaster.
A new offense this season was generated when Neil Callaway and Charlie Stubbs took the helm on that side of the ball and they won’t put this offense in mothballs. In fact the coaches have promised us that we haven’t seen half the offensive plays that the Tide has in their bag of tricks.
What wasn’t there to like about this offense against a worthy opponent? You have to take notice of the 26 carries for 115 yards and a school record five touchdowns by Shaun Alexander. The only other time he has carried the ball that many times, in one game, was against LSU in 1996 and in that game he ran for a school record 291 yards and four touchdowns. The coaches will continue to give Shaun the ball between 25 to 30 times a game and the results will speak for themselves. Can you say First Team All-SEC? Can you say All-American?
What was even more impressive was the quarterbacking of John David Phillips. Not only did he complete 17 of his 29 passes for 188 yards, but also he didn’t throw a single interception. After suffering from leg and arm cramps in the third quarter, John David led the Tide to victory in the fourth quarter on two touchdown drives. He showed at least in the first game that he has the stuff to lead this team to a number of wins this season.
Then there was the fact those eight different receivers including Freddie Milons and Eric Locke caught passes. Michael Vaughn helped seal the win with his reverse in the fourth quarter and Quincy Jackson had a team high 11 receptions for 114 yards.
When was the last time that kind of balance and innovation was shown by a Bama offense. Oh yes, and John David had the offense shifting formations at the line of scrimmage. Oh my, that was a pretty sight.
Sure, the defense didn’t look like the 1992 National Champions but they made the stops they had to. After surrendering 17 unanswered points it looked like the defense couldn’t stop anyone.
But then Travis Carroll stepped off the bench and made two huge tackles in the fourth quarter. First he stopped BYU running back Ronney Jenkins in the backfield and then he sacked quarterback Kevin Fetterick.
Those plays were followed by Fernando Bryant’s interception leading, three plays later, to the Tide’s go-ahead touchdown. Reggie Grimes took his turn next forcing Fetterick to fumble and then recovering the ball. Bama’s offense then delivered the knockout punch as once again Shaun Alexander scored his school record touchdown.
Certainly there were opening game mistakes on both sides of the ball but those mistakes will be ironed out.
Ryan Pflunger proved he is back from his injuries and A.J. Diaz delivered one kickoff after another into the endzone.
Daniel Pope had one bad punt in the fourth quarter but he showed distance and consistency all night.
Great journeys begin with a single step and the Tide took that step Saturday. Now it’s on to the SEC schedule and this writer feels confident that we will go into the Florida game riding a three game winning streak.

-- John Hinds
Alabama Weekly Columnist


The view from Section U3-M
written by Jess Nicholas

The book is now closed. The results are in, and Alabama fans who have
been chewing their fingernails to the quick can now let out their yelps
of joy. For the first time in nearly a full calendar year, Alabama has
won a football game. And win they did, with the intensity and
determination usually reserved for only the great teams.

The most noticeable difference occurred before the opening kickoff, as
fans were treated to one of the best pregame ceremonies in any sport
worldwide. Alabama's new scoreboard came to life with videos of players
past and present, complete with narration by the one and only Paul "Bear"
Bryant. As the video finished, a much punchier PA system announced, "This
is ALABAMA FOOTBALL," and Alabama's new logo became animated on the
screen as players and coached ran to the field. The elephant swung its
trunk to and fro, as its trumpet sounded loud enough to reach from
Ardmore to Gulf Shores. It was a sight that brought tears to the eyes of
many, and it couldn't hurt that several major college prospects were on
hand to witness the crimson regalia.

But even as impressive as the pregame festivities were, the product on
the field was more so. Quarterback John David Phillips experienced a
coming of age in front of 83,818 fans whose mouths were agape at the
sight of a revamped and dangerous offense. Shaun Alexander set a school
record with five touchdowns while running behind an offensive line that
was surprisingly masterful. And it wasn't as if the line was working
against scrubs, either. BYU boasted an All-American candidate on one side
of the line and two top-flight linebackers. In addition, with the
exception of some brief work by Sam Matthews at guard when Jason
McDonald's helmet broke, the starting five played the entire night and
consistently gave Phillips time to throw and Alexander space to run. In
addition, fullbacks Dustin McClintock and Marvin Brown proved to be
effective blockers.

All was not sugar and roses, though. The defense missed some assignments
and the special teams could cover better. Still, the problems of last
year--lack of intensity on defense, indecisiveness on offense, and poor
coaching--were thankfully absent from the game. Coach Neil Callaway
called a near-flawless contest, and Head Coach Mike DuBose showed
excellent game management skills throughout. What will be lost in the
papers was DuBose's use of two timeouts in defensive situations in order
to rally his troops and make sure they knew of their assignments. Too
frequently, coaches save their timeouts for last-ditch offensive series
at the end of games. If they would pay more attention to their defense,
they might not need a last-ditch offensive series.

Most importantly though might have been that the team looked to be having
FUN. It was an element sorely lacking from last year's unit and it is
welcomed wholeheartedly for this group.

All in all, it was truly, as I said last week, a good day. If you did not
see Alabama play Saturday, make it a point to attend a game in
Bryant-Denny Stadium soon. The experience is one that no fan will soon
forget, and hopefully, you will enjoy the game as much as I enjoyed the
one this past weekend. Congratulations to the Tide, to Coach Mike DuBose,
to quarterback John David Phillips, runningback Shaun Alexander, and some
of the lesser-knowns of the week, which I will now list:

(1) MLB Tito Smith. Travis Carroll had a great second half that was matched
only by Smith's first half. After four tough years and poor injury luck,
Tito Smith finally had a breakout game. Depth at middle linebacker is
no longer a question.

(2) PK Ryan Pflugner. He returned from a horrible injury to have a solid
day.

(3) HLD/CB Chris Reier. He dug out at least one poor snap, which led to
a successful kick by Pflugner.

(4) AD Bob Bockrath. Someone has to get the credit for the improvements
made in the pregame, and it is, after all, Bockrath's department.

(5) The field crew. I ripped them last week for the condition of the grass,
but they did a masterful job on the re-sodding. BYU coach LaVell Edwards
had a similar opinion.

Roll Tide, and let's go get those Commodores!

-- Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly Columnist

"This is Alabama Football" -- BYU Recap
written by JP

Bama broke in their new look stadium and offense with a BIG win over BYU. Bama wins 38-31. Alabama took the opening drive and drove 65 yards in 15 plays, John David Phillips was 5 for 5 passing on the opening drive. Bama continued it's great start lead by quarterback John David Phillips; they had a 24-7 lead at one point in the second quarter. BYU would come back and tie it up in the 3rd quarter 24-24. But Bama would take the lead by scoring two straight touchdowns to give them a 14 point lead 38-24. BYU would add a late forth quarter touchdown.

Brigham Young 00 14 10 07 31
Alabama 14 10 00 14 38

New Look Offense!
Wow!

That is all I can say about this new style of offense that Charlie Stubbs and Neil Callaway have installed at Alabama. John David Phillips was outstanding, throwing the ball to 8 different receivers for 188 yards and NO interceptions. This offense rides on the arm of 5-year senior John David Phillips. Phillips left the game in the third quarter with cramps in his throwing arm and his legs and the offense went into a lull. As soon as JDP made his return the team went down the field and scored then scored on the next possession. Quincey Jackson led the receiving group with 108 yards receiving.

The offensive line, although still needs some work look good, they gave JDP time to throw and block well for the running game. They have improved from last season

Bama used a variety of formations and shifted almost on every play, keeping the defense off guard.

Shaun Alexander Rushes for 115
Finally getting his chance to shine, Alexander in his first career start, breaks out a huge game. Shaun broke the school record with 5 touchdowns in a single game. Shaun is the type of back that will make something happen from nothing and that is what he did all night against BYU. Shaun rushed for 115 yards on 26 carries.

New Look Defense as well???
You look at the score and think great job on offense but what happened on defense. Well, the defense had a few unlucky breaks. One, the offense fumbled the ball twice and gave BYU 2 touchdowns, so right there that is only 17 points the defense gave up. Not bad, against and explosive well coached BYU team. Also BYU scored late on a bad call and a prevent defense. The "D" came out smoking full of intensity. Even without Travis Carroll in the first half, Bama held BYU to only one offensive score. Carroll did play in the second half and showed why he is a Butkus Candidate. Hey, Bama held BYU under 300 yards. The defense unit has a lot to work on but it too is much improved from last season and will only get better.

Moorehead and Knight make Presence known
True freshman Kindal Moorehead and JUCO transfer Canary Knight, in their first ever game as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, made their names known. Moorehead was in the backfield all night stopping the run and forcing BYU to make mistakes and their QB to scramble many times. Canary Knight did the same he was all over the field. These two guys will have to step up in order for Alabama to be successful this season.

Reggie Myles also a newcomer (freshman) saw a lot of playing time and made a few plays. He will get more time as the season goes. Up next Vanderbilt.

Alabama Weekly "Game Balls"
This will be a new feature from Alabama Weekly to be put out on Sundays following a game. I will pick the two players (offense and defense) that had the best games.
Offense
Tough choice! Although Shaun Alexander had a great game he has been there before. John David Phillips gets this weeks Alabama Weekly "Game Ball"
Defense
Clint Waggoner had his best game in a Crimson jersey and deserves the game ball

1998 ALABAMA SCHEDULE
09/05 Brigham Young Tuscaloosa 38-31
09/12 Vanderbilt Birmingham (JPSPORTS)
09/19 OPEN
09/26 Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
10/03 Florida Tuscaloosa
10/10 Ole Miss Tuscaloosa
10/17 E. Carolina Birmingham
10/24 Tennessee Knoxville, TN (CBS)
10/31 S. Miss Tuscaloosa
11/07 LSU Baton Rouge, LA (CBS)
11/14 Mississippi St. Starkville, MS
11/21 Auburn Birmingham
11/29 OPEN
12/05 SEC Championship
TTBA

Newsletter by: JP and Brett Young
Special Article by: None
Special Thanks to: Jess Nicholas, Brett Young, John Hinds for their articles

PLEASE VISIT BAMANATION AND ALABAMA WEEKLY.
BamaNation: http://www.BamaNation.com
Alabama Weekly: http://TideFans.com

Thanks for subscribing; next newsletter September 15th, Roll Tide see ya next week!!!

Get our FREE Newsletter! Enter your email address:

VOLUME 2 BACK ISSUES

3/8/99 VOL 2 Issue 6

3/8/99 VOL 2 Issue 5

3/8/99 VOL 2 Issue 4

3/8/99 VOL 2 Issue 3

3/8/99 VOL 2 Issue 2

2/22/99 VOL 2 Issue 1

VOLUME I BACK ISSUES

VOL I Issue 1
VOL I Issue 2
VOL I Issue 3
VOL I Issue 4
VOL I Issue 5
VOL I Issue 6
VOL I Issue 7